With one foot in Europe and the other in the Middle East, Turkey is a mecca for figs; these are dried under the Mediterranean sun for world-class taste.

Figs have been a symbol of peace and prosperity since ancient Rome and Greece, where the original Olympians would be awarded the fresh fruit for their athletic prowess. Dried figs were apparently a luxury reserved for exporting to foreign lands, since the fresh fruit was otherwise too delicate to survive the long journey. Fresh or dried, figs are unparalleled in their rich, sweet flavor and auspicious combination of smooth skin, creamy flesh, and crunchy seeds. Fortunately, we have dried figs that can carry us through the year when fresh ones are unavailable, and they are every bit as exquisite - especially these Turkish figs, which are dried by the hot Mediterranean sun.

More than just a stylish snack, dried figs make stylish nibbles for socializing, too, preferably split and filled with labneh (or mascarpone), sprinkled with chopped pistachios, and drizzled with honey, for more Middle Eastern flavors.